My radio display on a 2003 Forester has gone dark. I Have the in-dash 6
cd changer radio. How do I replace bulbs or what ever provides the
light. Thanks in advance.

The illumination is internal in the radio, not readily replaceable
bulbs as in the instrument cluster and elsewhere. If you have the
appropriate skills and tools it may be possible to open the unit and
solder in new bulbs, as long as you can source out the correct type.
Otherwise your best bet may be to look for a replacement radio, they
are available used at reasonable prices on Ebay and in the classifieds
at www.nasioc.com
You don't need the exact radio, a head unit from any late model Subaru
will plug in and work with no modifications.

Spider wrote:
It's an "electroluminescent display" and it's not reparable, at least
not for what an aftermarket radio would cost. You might find a used
stock radio on eBay.

Hi Spider!

On Wed, 21 Feb 2007 09:03:08 -0500, Spider <balzac59 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:

I'm pretty sure the display intensity works in conjunction with the
headlights, and maybe with the dimmer for the instrument illumination
as well. Whatever, you might try playing with the headlights and
dimmer knob to see if you can get it to work (instrument illumination
set to max dim?), You might also check the associated fuse, and the
plug into the head unit.
Failing that, probably no fix for it, at least not an easy one. Best
bet then would be to upgrade the head unit, or find a used Subaru one.
Probably around $100 on ebay.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101